Turn A Photography Weakness Into Your Greatest Asset

Jane Bown was an unassuming portait photographer who over 60 years created some iconic photos of the worlds most famous faces.
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[@thomaschamberlin2485]

I love the story of a rock music photographer (I can't remember her name) who was assigned to photograph Prince during his concert when she was very young and shy. She went backstage and timidly knocked on his door and a big burly security guy opened the door. She explained why she was there. He said nobody is allowed inside and she said thank you, anyway, and he shut the door. She was relieved. She went out into the photo pit and was photographing the concert when there was a tap on her shoulder. The security guard said that since she had been so nice he was going to allow her in after the show. She found Prince to be very shy and quiet and he found her easy to talk to so they talked more than photographed.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thanks for sharing that - what a lovely story :D

[@sheilafoster-hancock5687]

That’s a lovely story. Good for her.

[@grandpascuba]

Don’t forget, Linda Eastman, the photographer, who became Linda McCartney. (Mrs. Paul McCartney.)

[@Riverrockphotos]

Awesome story.

[@Artofthesingle]

I believe the photographer is Lynn Goldsmith

[@daviddyephotography]

you commented that some of the work was 'dated', I would argue that hairstyles, clothes may be dated but her images are timeless

[@davidpowell5437]

If the contents of a photograph indicate a date, thern it's a more interesting image than one that does not. Context is part of the narrative!

[@chrisclarke3443]

Saw a clip from Annie Leibovitz advertising her course when she said that it was not her job to make her subject feel relaxed . I thought to myself -“ that’s exactly what I spend my whole time doing ! “

[@RickCarroll-Canada]

Thanks for the video Alex. Personally I find that photographs today that are popular are more about the "Wow" factor than the power and strength of the image. They have little to no substance. Jane Bown is about power and substance, that is why I relate to her work. Thanks again.

[@RogerAubrey]

Jane Bown - one of my all time favourites. Her work has stood the test of time. Just got on with taking photographs without dramatics.

[@lenmillett7026]

I adore the work of Jane Bown, her ability to connect with and then document the character of her subject is something I've always admired, she could capture their soul.

[@alangardner8596]

100% agree. The best shots are usually the ones you sneak between poses. Often a model you will just see a movement that is really natural and the moment you want to capture. You ask them to repeat it and it never works.

[@zacharyschmidt9771]

It feels so good when you capture someone revealing their true self. These are the photographs that subjects really want

[@ZenoOkapi]

Great presentation, spot on, thanks. Lucky enough to meet Jane Bown as a press photographer once on a job. As you say unassuming, one camera one lens in a plastic shopping bag, no flash, the opposite of an extrovert, me me me photographer. Quiet firm voice, slow movements, expert at reading light, seeing the composition and capturing the unguarded moment. Not afraid of grain or out of focus elements in the image. Never let the equipment become a barrier between herself and the sitter. Knew exactly what she was doing, minimum post manipulation. As you say less is more. Timeless and brilliant.

[@dennisjones5579]

Great discussion. You reminded me of a portrait photography class I was in way back in the early 80's wherein the instructor taught us to have the subject being photographed sitting in a chair (formal portrait as I recall) with lighting set up and then.... just talk to the person about them. It let's down their "guard" if there was one and to your point, relaxes them to the point they almost forget they're being photographed. That's clearly when you get the best natural "who they are" photos. Again, I greatly appreciated the discussion and loved the photos by Jane Bown. What a talent.

[@artpeterson6667]

Brilliant video! And Jane Bown's portraits are great!

[@williamcrawford7857]

I know it's a bit cliche, but sometimes less is more. You showed that with the examples of Ann Lebovitz and Jane Brown.

[@fellowcitizen]

Finally got you back in the algorithm -- On a completely different note to this video, I've recently watched Baz Luhrmann's 'Romeo + Juliet' and Drew Barrymore's two Charlie's Angels films (directed by film-clip director, McG). These films lean so deeplly into style, yet work extremely well. I just wanted to point them out, as I recall being very struck by them well before I took up photography. Two other films which led me to find out what "cinematography' was were: 'Alien 3' and 'Ronin' with DeNiro.

[@tedphillips2951]

Thank you for introducing me to Jane Bown. I truly like this style of portrait photography. I agree with you that the more stylist portraits are good but the don't really portray the person.

[@ChrisHunt4497]

Thanks Alex, that was terrific. Jane is fascinating and I want to know more about her. I love her style and how simple it all is. That is how I want to be. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@zephyrmcphoto]

I've recently gotten over this a bit. I've been going to the skate park and just shooting a lot. I end up meeting people and everyone is really nice. I had a guy come up to me and say he was about to do something cool. Come take pictures. It's been a kind of strange experience and very liberating and learning experience. I wouldn't suggest it for everyone but it was kind of the most intimidating environment I could think of and it happens every day. Approaching every day people for regular street is a breeze now.

[@valhallafallen]

Thanks so much for this. I always was told that for been a good portrait photographer you have to manage the skills of directing people. Now I see another way that suits better to me.

[@lucaspresence2095]

I feel exactly like this most of the times. This chat was very helpful.

[@jaskanwarsingh7813]

Omg! This man is amazing! Such a great, powerful teacher.

[@ChrisdeLaatPhotography]

Absolutely love all of your videos Alex. I have been a landscape/ architecture photographer for a few years now. Taking the jump into portraiture and people. Thanks for this video.Cheers Chris

[@rpigeon8]

Great video Alex! You presented a great person, a great photographer and you presented her with respect and honesty. Being a Canadian I must suggest Yousuf Karsh as another great portrait photographer.

[@dillank3240]

Thanks for the thoughtful video. It is always worth my time to visit this channel.

[@strongislanduk]

Love this, 100%. It isn't about how you interact and your energy or intensity, it's simply about being curious about people and taking the time to listen and ask questions. So true about that sort of guard coming down inbetween shots or at the dentist, too. One thing that is interesting is how it is a two way thing though, a conversation. As a photographer you have to open up, share, give a little. Sometimes you put on a 110% version of yourself, for some shoots be a different energy to yourself. Mirroring is something to maybe explore in this relationship between photographer and sitter.

[@Nanigu]

What a great episode. It really touches me. I have always had this problem of not knowing how to direct models, I was never good at it and no matter how much I tried I couldn't get better. Finally I give up and changed my approach. Instead of making them pose I would just create the conditions to have fun and let their personality emerge. It has been a gamechanger.

[@luxdosul]

Completely agree with you. Simplicity is everything as long as you know how to capture the moment.

[@Goldmangun]

Thoughtful and thought-provoking as always. Thank you.

[@bobwagner1347]

One of your best in a long line of greats!

[@stephenvictor8961]

I am heartened you present your teachings in the brilliant manner you do: I benefit hugely. Thank you.

[@dangilmore9724]

I use a simple technique for portraits - i converse with the sitter and wait for something to happen. I like to catch a subject in the process of making jestures and expressions. Occasionally, I'll ask for a pose, but largely like to get a shot of the sitter in "transition," if that makes sense. Similar to having a model "drift" rather than "pose."

[@Oske.images]

As someone who was once painfully shy, but now just hesitant, this was an interesting watch with great points made. 👍 Just hoping I can improve some health things to get out this year and capture some new people.

[@L.Spencer]

I'm in a portraiture class and I haven't even thought about photographing strangers yet. I'm still trying to get over having my own picture taken. I needed a photo bag, so I found a padded bag at the thrift store, and the photo attendant at school said she liked my lunch bag - I didn't realize it was a lunch bag, I told her it's my camera bag. lol I really appreciate the difference you're talking about of a photo vs a portrait. I want to take portraits, and it's interesting you say she was more of a photojournalist/reporter style, and I think that's my style, too. I'm a shy person, but I also love connecting with people, like when doing street photography. It's really helpful to learn about Jane Brown, thanks so much! The moment, wait for it - that is great advice! I'll have to remember that, too. When the person is doing something you could never ask them to do. There's a great picture of Hugh Grant taken by Gregory Heisler (who I learned about from you) that shows what you're talking about.

[@bala1000mina]

As always inspiring an very informative! Thank you so much Alex! God bless and good luck!

[@bjarneerick123]

Thank you, Alex, for an excellent introduction to Jane Bown. I now need to dive deeper into her world of photography. You make me buy books ;) As always, great video!

[@DigitalN]

This is great advice, thank you for sharing! Finding inspiration as a portrait photography I have found to be challenging for many of the reasons you've said here, it seems a lot of photos these days are about the clothes people are wearing rather than capturing a subject and helping their personality shine through a picture.

[@denisesavage2382]

Encouraging video for those of us who are the quieter ones. Even shy ones. It takes time and each gentle steps along the way are booster steps. I don't think I could do portraiture, but I do enjoy talking to people and finding out their stories. When I'm out on the city streets sometimes I feel more confident now to simply connect with a moment spotted and press the shutter. Once if there was people in it, there's no way I would have done that. Now, I look for people to be in some images. Often they just don't know I'm there. . . .

[@ethostraveler]

Magnificent! Such an inspiration 😊

[@manueldinisphotography]

I can even begin to express how related to this message I feel. Since I started my photographic journey I struggle with the thinking of "directing/posing" people for portraits, even with my own family. Retrospectively, I think is related to the courses I have been taking online, those are more oriented to the portrait business side of the equation and also to the fact that it is not easy for me to interact with people that I don't know. Photography has allowed me to acknowledge my introvert side. I appreciate this kind of conversation as it offers an experience that otherwise might be lost. As usually great topic, thanks for sharing.

[@BladesOfMunch]

This video really spoke to me. I'm new to portraits. I have done a few here and there, and I call them "candid portraits". I'm always looking for natural movement and expressions. Conversation brings that out best, I've found. I just ask people open ended questions and let them talk. Every now and then I ask them how they're doing just to gauge their comfort. If they need a break, I'll even set the camera down. The photos taken toward the end are always different from the ones I took earlier in the session.

[@neill6189]

Another great video and really insightful, thanks so much 👌

[@lesfreeman8440]

Alex, thank you, the timing of this discussion is perfect. I’ve been thinking a lot about capturing what I might call genuine, and you refer to as quiet, portraits - as opposed to a more staged performance from one, or both, sides of the lens. I would love for you to dive deeper into this discussion of portrait photography.

[@frankc3834]

Couldn’t agree more. You have described my journey

[@davidohman9211]

Indeed, Alex. Some of my favorite portraits took place in between the poses, especially with children. Cartier-Bresson referred to shots like that - among his famous street photography - as the "decisive moment." After more than 40 years, it still works!

[@steven3557]

Wow, this one touched me, and im not really even into portraits, she's good. Loved how you put this one across.

[@martinehrich1966]

Inspirational!! Thank you.

[@jettubby17]

Alex, thanks as I’ve always kind of struggled with this myself, because I am not a larger than life person, but more of an observer. A cool customer so to speak. I’ve always found the hardest thing to overcome is that most people when you want to take their portrait they want to pose like they’re having their school picture done. Cheesy smile, direct face off to the camera. I’ve always kind of struggled with the perfect technique to get them out of that. I really like the idea of just having them talk about themselves eventually they’ll start to relax. Now the issue becomes finding that brief moment in between their words when they’re not moving so much. 😁

[@tomfenn7149]

I remember meeting Jane Bown outside the offices of the Observer back in the early 1990's. She was actually quite an intimidating character, but back then to get into professional press photography, you sort of had to be. But I would've loved to be a fly on the wall being able to observe how she worked.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

I belive she once said to her husband, when he was worried about her in the news photographer scrums, that 'her elbows are as sharp as everyone elses'

[@tomfenn7149]

@@ThePhotographicEye That I'd say is a pretty accurate account. Bown was certainly no pushover. I loved her work. RIP.

[@geronimo6787]

Yes, these Portraits show the personality not just a picture - It relates to what I find this in the pictures of Platon Antoniou

[@respectgod3302]

Sir, Thank you for sharing such meaningful insight!

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

Thanks, you're a great very natural teacher

[@jimwlouavl]

This is encouraging advice. I’m an introvert and do best with one on one conversations. It sounds like I should play to that as a strength.

[@SimonWillig]

Thank you for this encouraging story.

[@nezen]

As light is very important in photography it somehow can be the most challenging aspect too. While you were showing examples of the subjects facing the light it occurred to me that the reflection on the eyes of the main light source helped me understand it's placement better; where the main light source was located. I've not really ever noticed that in portraits before. Now I do - thank you very kindly.

[@andif8]

1000 Thanks! Very good video! Immediately ordered a Jane Bown book at my local bookstore :-)

[@steveperryphoto431]

An excellent episode Alex!

[@bernym4047]

Of all of your videos that I have watched, this spoke volumes to me and made me decide to attempt impromptu, candid portraiture. Whilst watching I was thinking of the best way to set my camera to make it as invisible as possible. I used to do wedding photography and although my photos were formally posed, I always tried to make them look spontaneous. I did this my cracking jokes (for groups) or just chatting for more intimate images. So perhaps I have the grounding for this sort of portraiture. We'll see. Thank you.

[@kevinhanley3023]

Now I understand why it is hard for me..I have to be patient and wait for the subject to give it to me. “Tell me more about that?” Brilliant. Thanks.

[@edwardlustigman2568]

Great advice I needed, thanks

[@geoffmphotography9444]

Excellent straightforward interpretation of what photographic portraiture is (or isn't).

[@josephschimmer302]

That was an excellent lesson!

[@ninahaines]

Awesome advice, thank you!

[@isktuna7077]

This is exactly why I absolutely do not understand modern photography competitions. I open up the websites to check out the winners, and see women in a bathtub filled with milk and flowers, men posing in random outfits, and photos which look like they were pulled out of shutterstock the day before. I do not get whats so special about any of those, and question if there is something wrong with my work.

[@subhradeepsarkar4931]

Similar experience here too, I end up questioning my photography if there's something wrong with it.

[@gregorreither6431]

Thank you for sharing.

[@leirumf5476]

As something who's just beginning in the photography landscape (pun shamelessly intended, although I don't do landscapes). My two cents are... If you like street photography but you're very afraid of being confronted about it. Ask people if you can take their photos, since you are the one taking initiative then you're the one in control of the conversation, and since you are being polite, people will be polite back. Yes, it's an acquired skill to be able to approach strangers, but it's easier knowing how the conversation will go, and having a purpose makes it easier. Yes, some people might break the cool stance that got your attention, but it's a risk that imo is worth taking. Besides, after you take the photo you can offer to share it to them, which is something people appreciate a lot! Ps: it helps if you can name one or two reasons for why you want to take a photo of them in particular "The light is amazing", "I really like the door behind you", "I really like how the colors of your clothes match the background", "I really like your aesthetics", "I love the pose you are making". Yk, stuff that's not about the person specifically, like... You're not hitting on them, or photographing them specifically, but some other aspect and they just happen to match the place.

[@ShaneBaker]

Thank you very much, Alex. I'm appalled to say that I had never heard of Jane Bown - but I have now! What a great, great photographer - rather like Karsh, but without all the studio gear. As to whether or not her work is "dated" - I would say it's timeless. Thanks again. My copy of her "A Lifetime of Looking" is on order! 🙂

[@jeki6035]

The photos that win awards in today's competition are over manicured, over composed, over photoshop tweaked....the naturalness and ease is missing.

[@Anon54387]

I was incredibly shy when I first got out of high school, but I changed jobs to working in an auto parts store to get through college. When you have to interact with hundreds of people everyday it really gets a person over the shyness. One realizes that it's not the end of the world if something gets awkward or embarrassing. And things get awkward less often once one gains some experience with dealing with people. One also realizes that not everyone will like you and thus not to let that fact get to one's self confidence.

[@lesath7883]

Thank you. As an intro, taking pictures of people is complicated. Though it does help being receptive and patient, the very act of approaching someone tonask to take a picture is a high hurdle to jump.

[@nate_thenotso_great]

Really good advice! I, too, am shy (I hate that about myself), but it can be used as an advantage.

[@photographybypetercharles9939]

Totally agree and thanks for introducing me to the work of Jane Brown. You're describing me as well, though I had most of my nervousness knocked out of me about 40 years ago when I was tasked with shooting portraits of our senior management in their offices, during the work day, when they're busy. And I wasn't hired to be the company photographer. I was just a computer analyst who was shooting company portraits on his lunch hour. Just a regular employee who had enough photo gear and enough skill to pull it off. Me, the lowly flunky had to get in, set up fast while he's working, get my nerves under control, talk to him about some business issue (to settle my nerves as much as anything else), get the shot and get out. I'd shoot one roll of 12 and at least one of them had to work. Hopefully I hadn't screwed up the exposure or anything else as a reshoot was usually out of the question. They were barely tolerating me for one brief shoot as it was. After that baptism of fire, everything else was downhill.

[@blakescrossing]

As an introvert, I have zero interest in wedding photography. But I love being the second photographer. Grabbing the candid shots are my 'thing'. I also really enjoy photographing 'big personalities': people who are super confident and flamboyant in front of a camera. That's where my love of portrait photography is.

[@jontout]

Interesting video, I tend to shy away from photographing people that I don't know as well but looking at this video, at 6 minutes in, I get the feeling that an Annie Leibovitz photo is as much about her than the subject, whereas Jane's are all about the subject.

[@boatman222345]

Very insightful advice well worth listening to. A year or two ago I watched a video of Annie Leibovitz during one of her highly orchestrated shoots. I left a comment that essentially said a ton of time, money, and effort made to produce something of little or no value. Imagine my surprise when Annie responded with "I agree."

[@grandpascuba]

You may not have intended to become a portrait photographer, but you must admit that you are really good at it.

[@lolingsaraee]

Brilliant so interesting 👌

[@tedsmith_photography]

Jane is somewhat of a role model for me too. Her style is similar to how I like to do things. It's very difficult, these days, to be in a position to take the same kind of images, especially for clients. Everyone expects these days (as you allude) to the mainstream imagery. Even though its all very predictable and obvious today. I think she was famed for using the Olympus OM1 specifically. She is said to be part of the modern drive\craze for OM1's.

[@seaeagles6025]

Hi Alex. Now that's a great photographer being able to photograph celebrities. There were some Pretty bug names their. They must feel comfortable to be photographed by Jane. It's not easy to get a natural portrait photo, you have to be on the look out for changing manorisims and body language. I really enjoyed the story if Jane Bown. Thank you 😊

[@tundrusphoto4312]

As views of photography and as photographers, we often gravitate towards photographers and photographs that appear accessible. By accessible I mean a photograph that looks 'simple" enough that we think we could reproduce ourselves and that is not overly complicated in form. Other photographers who shoot their subjects in elaborate sets, with costumes, makeup, hair done by hairdressers, etc. seem inaccessible. These works are beyond our budget and perhaps knowledge to pull together. So Alex, I agree with you about Ms. Bown's work. It appears accessible but is more than what it seems.

[@domsphotography]

Like you I started off photographing landscapes and I thought that was what I would do as I’m a bit of an introvert and shy. This all changed when with a group of other photographers we did a 52 week project where we shot a photo a week on a chosen subject and one was Hollywood film for which I tried, some think successfully considering it was my first go at photographing a person, a movie still style shot. I enjoyed the process and tentatively started doing more portraits till it is now my main thing and I hardly shoot landscapes now. I’m still an introvert and shy but I have a better relationship with the people I work with and I don’t direct my sitter much and just chat which like you I think relaxes them.

[@MichaelCantwell]

I loved your thoughts on the difference between a "portrait" and a "picture." I agree 100%. I'm not sure I could put it into words the way you did. It makes perfect sense. Also, check out the works of Arnold Newman. He for sure shows people's personality in his portrait work.

[@mickeyjunior7177]

Hey Alex, this is my first comment on your channel even though I've been subscribed to it for so long. Anyway I agree with your take on the important aspect on portrait photography and so I wonder if you're aware of Greg Williams. He's a hollywood photographer but he's work, I find, is able to exude a lot. It also helps that the celebrities are quite fond of him.

[@ihknilsen]

I think about a photo I missed this last week because I am timid about taking a strangers photograph yet I’m not afraid to talk to them. The more I think about it the more I see an image in my head. That is what I have to overcome. I can see something, mention it, discuss it but then can’t muster the courage to ask for the photo.

[@ianforber]

I too am shy which means I don’t yet have the confidence to take candid street photographs. Perhaps counterintuitivley instead I often go up to people and ask if I can take their picture. It’s definitely a picture though, never a portrait, not least because I’m hurrying to get their picture and move on before they get bored. Work in progress for me.

[@StevenKeery]

1/60th at f8 I think she used to take them. Very simple but effective.

[@WilsonPhotography1]

I too am an accidental portrait photographer. I appreciate how you approached this. 😎

[@philliphickox4023]

When I shoot film, I always carried my camera with me, so people stopped seeing the camera as it was part of me, that's when I would take my spontaneous portraits of people capturing the moment. Sadly I never got model releases for these pictures as I didn't think about the future or what I was going to do with them.

[@Call_Me_Mom]

There's a moment ... And Grandma knows when they are likely to occur. :D But that's more of a challenge in a formal setting with someone you don't know.

[@marksharman8029]

Portrait is an interesting genre. I shoot landscape mostly, and am passionate about that. When I shoot portrait I prefer to find the subject ... within their life. Tell a story. This was an enjoyable video to watch. Sub'd.

[@scotskinner4350]

I've like to overcome my aversion to photographing people (I.e. shyness, introvert, lack of confidence, etc.) so I can do street portraiture.

[@b991228]

A camera can be like a gun tightly pointed on the subject to steal the ultimate capture. It might feel almost as relaxing as a director yelling, “Action!” Jane Bown images are more relaxed. She started out using a Rollie TLR. This is a camera that is naturally less intimidating than a camera aimed dead center on the victim, I wonder if she was still able to consciously maintained that relaxed approach when she no longer used a TLR.

[@stephenmatthews5437]

Alex, what happened to "that portrait photography channel"? It was great

[@nachnamevorname5917]

Compliments.

[@wb5plj]

this is very interesting. I hate portrait photography as it is so in human. I have always thought I don't like the posed thing. I can't understand it I guess. I have a couple that I have taken just beacons I was handling my camera and taken shots. and got the shot when they where not paying attention or at that moment didn't care that I had the camera. thanks.

[@user-ow5vu4vx7c]

Yeap, that's the game - you have got to "hold the space" It is their space. If you are too pushy, there is no room in "their space" for them. And always remember "the camera is the event". It does have a distorting effect. You have to be rigorous with yourself. You are shoving a lens into their face. Can you keep them safe? In that split second before you press the stutter. Every time. Every picture. "Can I justify this picture?" - if you can't, then don't take the picture. A: you can walk away with clean hands, and B: it probably wouldn't have been a geat picture because of how you were feeling about it. But if you can justify the picture, if there is a story, if there is something that needs to be said - get stuck in! Finally, being an introvert was never a weakness. We walked where there were no paths, and we came back with the map. The extroverts owe us.

[@brucemcclelland904]

Is there a way (short of buying the book) we could find out the names of some of Ms. Brown’s sitters? I’m old enough to recognize some of them, but I’m not from the U.K. and/or I don’t follow pop/political/haute culture well enough to put names to all the faces.

[@christiandleyva9064]

I agree with you Alex, many times "more is less", really. But I still have a question though. Do you actually ask the person, when you notice that "fleeting moment", do you ask TO HOLD IT? Or do you have your camera 100% ready to try and capture it?

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Good question. At this stage I can feel that moment coming, however if it was pose related you could ask them to hold it. Expressions not so much.

[@christiandleyva9064]

Thank you very much!@@ThePhotographicEye

[@KeithPaynePhotography]

Alex, what is the name of her book please or if anyone knows

[@lelandfitz1762]

Does available light include flash?

[@ThePhotographicEye]

I'd probably so no - as that's something that isn't naturally available in the environment.

[@davehollis4476]

No. She had a 150W bulb for such cases which she would screw into the table lamp.

[@BeeMichael]

W. Eugene Smith defined “available light”, as any light that was available.

[@lelandfitz1762]

​@@BeeMichaelDepends on when this guy lived and what definition of "available" he had. I would go with the definiton of "naturally available" here as to not confuse with "it was available, I had soft boxes in my bag and guys who helped me shine it out" lol

[@michaellakey3565]

Did she get her break through marrying an already connected man? Like Fay Godwyn... The female artist is still at a gender discrimination disadvantage from the get go.